Community Extensionist

Job description

WeForest

WeForest is an international non-profit Organisation headquartered in Belgium with the mission to conserve and restore the ecological integrity of forests and landscapes, engaging communities to implement and deliver lasting solutions for climate, nature, and people. We promote science and best practices in a culture of sharing and inclusion so that others can replicate and augment what we do.

Job Summary

The Community Extensionist will be responsible for facilitating participatory land use planning processes in the Lavushimanda Community Conservation (LCC) landscape. The role involves working closely with local authorities, community members, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable land use practices, and ensure community participation and ownership throughout the process.

The LCC programme, launched in late 2022, supports three Community Forest Management Groups (CFMGs) in Mabonga, Mwenda, and Salamo of Mpumba Chiefdom while also engaging private landowners in the Mupamadzi Farmblock to create a holistic landscape vision benefiting both conservation and local communities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Community Mobilization & Engagement

Conduct community and school awareness campaigns on land rights, sustainable land use, and planning processes
Organize and facilitate community meetings, workshops, and training sessions
Build strong relationships with village leaders, traditional authorities, community groups and local government structures
Act as a liaison between the community and WeForest Zambia

2. Facilitation of Village Land Use Planning (VLUP) and Climate Adaptation Planning (CAP)  Process

Support the formation of Village Land Use Planning Committees (VLUPC)
Lead in participatory mapping, data collection, and boundary demarcation across the landscape
Ensure inclusivity in decision-making, particularly for marginalized groups such as women, youth, and the elderly
Work with technical experts to produce village land use maps and climate adaptation plans

3. Conflict Resolution & Mediation

Identify and address project-related conflicts through dialogue and mediation
Collaborate with local dispute resolution mechanisms, including customary institutions

4. Monitoring & Evaluation

Assist in conducting surveys including the baseline survey
Track progress on VLUP implementation and provide feedback to stakeholders.
Document lessons learned and best practices for future land use and climate adaptation planning efforts.
Prepare and submit regular reports to supervisors

5. Operational Responsibilities & Professional Conduct

Maintain cleanliness and take good care of the assets provided by WeForest Zambia, as well as perform basic checks to control equipment with community facilitators (mentors) in the field.
Be a responsible staff member and understand that you are always representing your organization at the same place as where you live

Candidate Profile

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Min. grade 12. Preferably a Diploma in community development, Forestry, Agriculture, Agroforestry or equivalent
Language: Fluent in English (both speaking and writing) and Bemba or Lala or Bisa
Experience: Theoretical and relevant practical experience with participatory village land use planning. Familiarity with working with applications on smartphone such as ODK and Kobo.
Driving license: A valid motorcycle license & proven ability to drive in challenging conditions

Skills:

Excellent planning, training and communication skills
Strong and persistent with fieldwork
Strong and comfortable working and living in the field with the local community
Honest and down-to-earth, being aware of different cultures and mind-sets.
Ability to work with little or no supervision
Ability to work flexible hours
Ability to work in all weather conditions
Able to work effectively in stressful conditions/under pressure
Should be comfortable working with large groups of peopl
Should have strong cultural values

TASKS

Demonstrate leadership and show own initiative
Work using correct engagement principles of Free Prior and Informed Consent
Coordinate and assist community enumerators under your responsibility
Provide technical advice ensuring a good partnership with all stakeholders to guarantee project outputs
To facilitate effective communication between the local community and WeForest.
Frequently liaise with local stakeholders working in the areas for effective work delivery
Collect quantitative & qualitative field data (socio-economic data, GPS coordinates, geo-tracks etc.)
Provide appropriate and frequent reporting in full transparency and integrity, being coachable for improvement
Handle internal information and data as confidential
Conduct safe and clean keeping of office, motorbike and other WeForest equipment

Terms & Conditions

Position: Full-time employee, 5 or 6 days per week.

Base: Based at Mununga, Lavushimanda district, Muchinga Province

Start date: As soon as possible, preferably by 01/04/2025

Package: Competitive package for a small organisation, level 2b salary package

Interested ?

Please send applications to recruitment.zambia@weforest.org with your CV, a motivation letter, and min.3 recent references by 28/02/2025. References must include at least one former employer and one enterprise that you have supported.

Make sure to mention the job title in the subject of the email, and to indicate where you saw the job post. In your motivation letter, we’d love to read about what makes you interested to work with WeForest Zambia and why you think you are best suited. Due to the anticipated high number of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We thank you in advance for your interest.